The investigation into whether a political fundraiser involving Warren Mayor James Fouts’ State of the City speech violated state campaign finance law, could take months to complete.

State elections officials are probing the complaint filed in May by former state lawmaker Leon Drolet against Macomb Business United, a pro-Fouts political action committee. The PAC’s treasurer is Gust Ghanam of Warren, a mayoral appointee who oversees the city’s trash pickup, recycling and composting operation.

Drolet, a conservative, anti-tax activist from Macomb Township and a former member of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners prior to serving in the Legislature, is hoping to make a political rebound this year. He is one of five Republican candidates in the Aug. 2 primary for the county board’s District 13, a GOP stronghold that includes most of Macomb Township.

In his complaint filed with the Secretary of State in May, Drolet alleges Ghanam:

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• Filed an incomplete or inaccurate campaign statement for Macomb Business United. Under state law, a campaign committee treasurer who knowingly files an incomplete or false statement or report may be fined up to $1,000.

• Accepted contributions to the committee from sources prohibited by law. Campaign finance rules in Michigan prohibit a corporation from making a contribution to a committee other than a ballot question committee. A violation is a felony punishable by imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. A treasurer of a campaign committee that’s not a ballot question committee is prohibited from accepting a contribution written on a corporate check. A person who violates that provision faces a civil fine of up to $1,000 per violation plus triple the amount of each improper donation.

• Improperly used or authorized the use of public funds or resources with regard to a fundraiser for the PAC. Michigan law bans the use of public funds, personnel, office space, vehicles, equipment, supplies or other public resources to make a contribution or expenditure. A violation is a misdemeanor.

Fouts’ State of the City address, held April 7 at Andiamo Italia banquet hall in Warren before a near-capacity crowd of 472, was sponsored for years by the Macomb Chamber of Commerce. Macomb Business United took over promotion and ticket sales this year. Top sponsorships were provided by companies holding large municipal contracts including law firms and engineering companies. Multiple city unions also bought tickets, which ranged in price from $40 for seats on the second level a few steps up from the main floor, to $50 for seats closer to the mayor’s podium. As in past years, numerous department heads and a few Warren City Council members attended.

After the speech, Ghanam told reporters that any potential profit from the event would be used to promote an upcoming police millage election.

According to Macomb Business United campaign finance reports, the event raised $20,510. The PAC paid $8,652 to Andiamo for banquet services.

The Warren Communications Department taped video segments about Warren for use in the mayor’s annual address. A city television crew also recorded the event, which was replayed several times on the city’s government channels in the following days and still can be viewed on the city’s website, cityofwarren.org.

In a letter dated June 2, the state Bureau of Elections notified Ghanam that Drolet’s complaint had been filed, sent a copy to him and informed him that he can file a written response within 15 business days.

“Your response may include any written statement or additional documentary evidence you wish to submit,” Lori Bourbonais, an attorney for the bureau, said in the letter. “If you fail to submit a response, the Department (of State) will render a decision based on the evidence furnished by the complainant.”

If Ghanam replies, Drolet will be afforded 10 days to respond to it.

The investigation could take “a few months” to complete, Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams said.

Ghanam has not yet submitted a response. He requested -- and has been granted -- an extension, Woodhams said Wednesday. The new deadline for the Macomb Business United treasurer to reply is July 15.

Only the state elections bureau can accept and investigate campaign finance complaints.

“If the department is unable to reach a resolution with someone the department has reason to (believe) committed a campaign finance law violation, the matter may be referred to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation,” Woodhams said.

Ghanam did not return a phone message from The Macomb Daily seeking comment for this report.